A 59-year-old man appeared in court today charged with murder and assisting the suicide of his seriously ill wife.

Robert Cook was arrested after police found the body of his wife Vanessa, who had multiple sclerosis, at their home in Camber Close, Pound Hill, Crawley, West Sussex.

Cook was charged last month with murder and assisting the suicide of 55-year-old Mrs Cook on October 19 last year.

He appeared at a preliminary hearing at Lewes Crown Court today where no indication of plea was given.

Cook was released on unconditional bail to reappear in court for a plea and directions hearing on July 13.